P. C. Kim

A multichamber system for analyzing the outgassing, deposition, and associated optical degradation properties of materials in a vacuum.

We report on the camera materials test chamber, a multivessel apparatus that analyzes the outgassing consequences of candidate materials for use in the vacuum cryostat of a new telescope camera. The system measures the outgassing products and rates of samples of materials at different temperatures and collects films of outgassing products to measure the effects on light transmission in six optical bands. The design of the apparatus minimizes potential measurement errors introduced by background contamination.